CVE-2021-1199 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause an affected device to restart unexpectedly. Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending crafted HTTP requests to the affected device.

Understanding CVE-2021-1199

This CVE concerns multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV Series routers, leading to potential remote command execution and denial of service attacks.

What is CVE-2021-1199?

The vulnerabilities in Cisco Small Business RV Series routers allow authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause unexpected device restarts by exploiting improper validation of user input in the web-based management interface.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1199

The vulnerabilities can result in attackers executing code as the root user on the underlying operating system or causing the device to reload, leading to denial of service (DoS) conditions. Attackers need valid administrator credentials on affected devices to exploit these vulnerabilities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1199

These technical details shed light on the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities stem from improper validation of user-supplied input in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV Series routers, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or trigger unexpected device reloads.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Cisco Small Business RV Series Router Firmware, with versions susceptible to these vulnerabilities.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerabilities by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the targeted device to achieve remote command execution or trigger device restarts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-1199 is crucial towards ensuring the security of affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-1199, it is advised to monitor vendor updates and apply security patches promptly. In the absence of a patch, consider implementing alternative security measures.

Long-Term Security Practices

Long-term security practices should include regularly updating systems, conducting security assessments, and enhancing network security configurations to prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has not released software updates addressing these vulnerabilities yet. Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Cisco to protect your systems effectively.